Charges Filed Against University Student for Alleged Sexual Assault

A University of Arkansas student is facing serious charges after an alleged incident of strangling and raping a woman at a fraternity house near the campus.

The student, Crewman, 19, was taken into custody in Washington County on April 12, facing charges of rape, aggravated assault, and third-degree assault, as per jail records.

According to an affidavit, Crewman and the victim first met on March 17 while she was near his workplace on Dixon Street.

Later, they went to the Kappa Sigma fraternity house, where Crewman was residing at the time. Once there, authorities say he asked the victim for sex. When she declined, he reportedly became violent, punching and choking her before the assault occurred.

The victim recounted to authorities that Crewman wrapped his hands around her neck multiple times, making it difficult to breathe. She was allegedly afraid to refuse his advances after he threatened her, saying he could easily “throw her to the floor and break her ribcage.”

When questioned by university police on March 20, Crewman claimed that the encounter was “completely consensual.”

During the investigation, six individuals interviewed confirmed elements of the victim’s account.

Additionally, Crewman has a history that includes charges of terroristic threats and false imprisonment.

The incident marks another troubling case of sexual assault occurring in campus housing this academic year. After his arrest, Crewman was released on $100,000 bail and is set for a court appearance on May 6.

Neither the University of Arkansas nor the national chapter of Kappa Sigma have provided immediate comments regarding the situation.